Grandma Petty'S Raisin Spice Cake
A warm, spiced raisin cake infused with coffee and nuts, perfect for cozy gatherings and dessert tables, offering rich flavors with a moist, tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the golden raisins in a pan; cover with water and bring to a boil.
- Simmer about five minutes.
- Retain the raisins and pour one-half cup of the raisin juice into a bowl.
- Add the perked coffee and baking soda to the juice.
- Cream together the sugar, vegetable shortening, and margarine.
- Add the egg and the juice/coffee/soda mixture; blend well.
- Add the flour and spices gradually, mixing after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla, blending well after each addition.
- Finally, fold in the raisins and walnuts.
- Prepare an 8 x 8-inch square pan or a small angel food cake pan by greasing and lightly flouring.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F for one hour.
- Allow to cool, then frost with simple confectioners' sugar, milk, and butter frosting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you prefer a different nut, pecans can be used instead of walnuts. To enhance the spice profile, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. Ensure the raisins are well-drained after boiling to prevent excess moisture in the batter. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Petty's Raisin Spice Cake as a delightful afternoon treat or dessert, ideally alongside freshly brewed coffee or tea. It also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert. This cake can be frosted with a simple confectioners' sugar glaze or served plain for a less sweet option, making it versatile for various occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Petty'S Raisin Spice Cake contains roughly 748 calories, with 6g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1122mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh raisins instead of golden raisins?
While golden raisins add a unique flavor, you can substitute regular raisins if needed. However, soaking the regular raisins in warm water for 10-15 minutes before use will help plump them up and enhance their sweetness.
What can I use instead of coffee?
If you prefer to avoid coffee, you can substitute it with brewed tea or a mixture of water and a bit of vanilla extract. This will still provide liquid and flavor without the caffeine.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make Grandma Petty's Raisin Spice Cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to add a binding agent like xanthan gum if your blend does not already include it, and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).